The rapid advancement of technology has allowed us to easily connect with others online through platforms like social media. This connection not only includes direct communication but also the interaction between users and the content of others’ lives they are presented with. Though it may appear harmless, we have yet to realize the true issues with social media and how it can be mentally deteriorating.

In the 21st century, unlike in the past, people are entertained by insights into others’ lives including small details from what food they ate to where they are at for vacation. But what users fail to realize is the false perception each post holds. Influencers that dominate social feeds deceive us; each post is edited, smoothed, and altered to meet society's unattainable beauty standards. On social media exists only the positives of our lives - a collection of our best moments.

The human body’s growing thirst for interpersonal connections, due to increased daily online interactions, is now pleased by the content of others’ accounts. Constantly observing only the most important aspects of everyone's lives leads us to assume that what we have now is insufficient. Beginning to compare ourselves with the perfection we are enveloped by on social media, we fall into an endless dilemma of lack of self-satisfaction.

Our feeble attempts to force ourselves into the idealistic mold created by society put our mental health under pressure, gradually exhausting it. To temporarily put the pressure on pause, we project ingenuine versions of ourselves onto the internet - exaggerating and photoshopping. Dire for approval from others, doing this appeases us for a short moment; we feel fulfilled by the growing number of likes, comments, and shares. We are unable to forget the joy felt from our last post, we give in once again, and we post another inauthentic impression of ourselves. This is an endless cycle in which once fallen into, is difficult to escape.

In all, social media stimulates numerous mental detriments by the inscription of unrealistic standards of life and beauty into our minds. Our lives are controlled by recognition from others and social media is a key factor for mental health problems including body image issues, eating disorders, and depression.

김희 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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